American lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill that calls for the US to resume its formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, spurring Beijing to condemn the resolution as "gross interference" in China's affairs, according to wire reports. Although Washington switched recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, under current laws, the US would come to Taiwan's aid if it comes under threat. Tom Tancredo, an American lawmaker who sponsored the bill, argued that Taiwan is a free and sovereign state.